Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned the public regarding fraudulent recruitment and auction schemes falsely associated with the agency.
Gatekeepers News reports that during a press briefing held at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, Abdullahi Maiwada, the national public relations officer, noted that scammers have been using fake social media accounts impersonating the comptroller-general of customs and both current and retired officers. These impersonators, he said, aim to trick unsuspecting individuals into believing they are legitimate offers.
The NCS advises the public to remain vigilant and verify information before engaging with any recruitment or auction-related communications.
“We have observed a disturbing rise in fake accounts bearing the names and images of the comptroller-general of customs, the national PRO, and even retired senior officers, all falsely claiming to offer jobs and auction opportunities,” Maiwada said.
He noted that the NCS does not conduct recruitment or auctions via social media, describing such activities as deliberate attempts to defraud Nigerians.
Maiwada said the service recently arrested Okoli Boniface, a suspect, on June 16 for allegedly impersonating an aide to Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, and manipulating the recruitment process.
“The case was promptly reported and thoroughly investigated by the customs police unit. Findings confirmed it was a calculated attempt to compromise the integrity of the recruitment exercise,” he said.
He described the arrest as proof of the agency’s zero-tolerance for fraud while reiterating the service’s commitment to maintaining credibility in its operations.
Maiwada urged the public to verify recruitment and auction information through the service’s official communication channels.
He added that the service would continue to identify, expose and prosecute individuals attempting to compromise its operations.
